If you love the feel of a good body scrub but want something a little different from a traditional sugar scrub, this Pink Himalayan salt body scrub is an easy DIY to try.
This recipe combines fine Pink Himalayan salt with hazelnut oil, cocoa butter, vegetable glycerin, and Polysorbate 20 to create a rich, scoopable body scrub.
The salt provides the exfoliation, while the oils and cocoa butter give the scrub a conditioning feel. Polysorbate 20 helps the oils disperse when the scrub is rinsed away, so you don’t end up with quite as much oily residue as you might get from a simple salt-and-oil scrub.
And because the formula is written in percentages, you can easily make a smaller batch for yourself or scale it up when you want to make several jars.
Prefer to Watch How to Make A Salt Scrub?
If you’d rather watch me make this Pink Himalayan salt body scrub, you can watch the video here:
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Then keep reading for the complete formula, what each ingredient does, how to make the scrub, how to use it, and the important storage considerations for a scrub that does not contain a preservative.
What Is a Pink Himalayan Salt Body Scrub?
A salt body scrub is a physical exfoliating product made with salt.
In this recipe, fine Pink Himalayan salt is the exfoliant. When you massage the scrub over damp skin, the salt particles help remove surface buildup and leave the skin feeling smoother.
The salt is combined with a small amount of cocoa butter and hazelnut oil to give the scrub a richer, more moisturizing feel.
Vegetable glycerin adds a humectant to the formula, while Polysorbate 20 helps the oils disperse when they come into contact with water.
The result is a simple, oil-based salt scrub with a creamy, conditioning feel.
Why Use Salt Instead of Sugar?
Sugar and salt both work well as physical exfoliants, but they don’t feel exactly the same.
Salt is naturally coarse and can provide a more substantial exfoliating experience depending on the size of the crystals you use.
For this recipe, I recommend using fine Pink Himalayan salt rather than a very coarse salt.
If the particles are too large or sharp, the scrub can feel unnecessarily abrasive, especially on sensitive areas.
The texture of your salt matters just as much as the type of salt. You can learn more about exfoliants in my Exfoliants Explained post.
Pink Himalayan Salt Body Scrub Formula
Here is the complete formula.
| Ingredient | Percentage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Himalayan salt | 58% | Physical exfoliant |
| Vegetable glycerin | 34% | Humectant |
| Cocoa butter | 2% | Emollient and texture |
| Hazelnut oil | 1% | Carrier oil |
| Polysorbate 20 | 4% | Helps disperse oils during rinsing |
| Sugared Strawberry fragrance oil | 1% | Adds fragrance |
The formula totals 100%.
8 Ounce Batch
| Ingredient | Weight |
|---|---|
| Pink Himalayan salt | 5.22 oz |
| Vegetable glycerin | 3.06 oz |
| Cocoa butter | 0.18 oz |
| Hazelnut oil | 0.09 oz |
| Polysorbate 20 | 0.36 oz |
| Sugared Strawberry fragrance oil | 0.09 oz |
For the most accurate results, use a digital scale rather than measuring these ingredients by volume.
If you’re new to percentage-based formulas, my Percentages vs. Grams in Skincare Formulation guide can help explain how to work with percentages.
What Each Ingredient Does
Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan salt is the exfoliant in this recipe.
I use a fine grain salt because the texture is important when you’re making a body scrub.
When you massage the scrub over damp skin, the salt provides the physical exfoliation.
You can experiment with different salt textures, but keep in mind that changing the particle size will change how the finished scrub feels.
If your salt is very coarse, it may feel much more abrasive.
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a humectant.
It helps give the scrub a softer, more moisturizing feel and contributes to the overall texture of the formula.
There is a fairly large percentage of glycerin in this recipe, so it plays an important role in how the finished scrub feels.
Glycerin is also water-soluble, which is something to keep in mind when thinking about how this product behaves during use.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is used at 2% in this formula.
It adds a rich, emollient feel and helps give the scrub some body.
Because cocoa butter is solid at room temperature, it also contributes to the texture of the finished product.
You’ll melt the cocoa butter before combining it with the other ingredients.
If you want to learn more about cocoa butter as a formulation ingredient, see my Cocoa Butter ingredient guide.
Hazelnut Oil
Hazelnut oil is the carrier oil used in this recipe.
It contributes to the conditioning feel of the scrub without being the main component of the formula.
You can experiment with other carrier oils, but changing the oil can change the texture and feel of the finished product.
When changing a formula, I recommend changing one ingredient at a time so you can see how each change affects the final result. Learn more about Choosing the Right Carrier Oil in my post.
Polysorbate 20
Polysorbate 20 is included to help the oils disperse when the scrub comes into contact with water.
This is particularly helpful in a body scrub because you’re going to use it in the shower and then rinse it away.
It does not turn this recipe into an emulsified scrub.
Instead, it helps the oil phase disperse more readily during rinsing.
If you’re interested in how emulsifiers and solubilizers work in skincare formulations, my guide to Emulsifiers in Skincare: What They Are and How They Work is a good next step.
Sugared Strawberry Fragrance Oil
I’m using Sugared Strawberry fragrance oil in this version.
It has a sweet, fruity fragrance profile that works especially well with the pink color of the salt.
The fragrance is used at 1% in this formula.
If you want to use another fragrance, always check the supplier’s current recommended usage rate for the specific fragrance and the type of product you’re making.
Do not automatically assume another fragrance can be used at 1%.
How to Make Pink Himalayan Salt Body Scrub
Step 1: Weigh Your Ingredients
Start by weighing all of your ingredients.
Make sure your equipment and work surface are clean and dry before you begin.
Step 2: Melt the Cocoa Butter and Hazelnut Oil
Add the cocoa butter and hazelnut oil to a heat-safe container.
Place the container over a double boiler and heat gently until the cocoa butter is completely melted.
Stir occasionally so the ingredients combine evenly.
Once everything is melted, remove it from the heat.
Step 3: Add the Cool-Down Ingredients
Allow the melted mixture to cool slightly.
Add the vegetable glycerin, Polysorbate 20, and fragrance oil.
Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Add the Pink Himalayan Salt
Gradually add the fine Pink Himalayan salt to the mixture.
Stir as you add it so the salt is evenly coated and distributed throughout the scrub.
Keep mixing until you have a consistent texture.
Step 5: Package the Scrub
Transfer the finished scrub into a clean, completely dry container.
A wide-mouth cosmetic jar works well because this is a thick, scoopable product.
Allow the scrub to cool completely before sealing the container.
What Should the Finished Salt Scrub Look Like?
The finished scrub should be thick enough to scoop from the jar while still being easy to spread over damp skin.
The salt should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture rather than settling heavily in one area.
Because cocoa butter is included in the formula, the scrub will have more body than a simple salt-and-oil mixture.
The final texture can also vary slightly depending on the temperature of your workspace and the particular ingredients you use.
How to Use Pink Himalayan Salt Body Scrub
This is a body scrub, so I recommend using it on the body rather than the face.
In the shower:
- Wet your skin with water.
- Scoop out a small amount of scrub.
- Gently massage it over your skin using circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat your skin dry.
You don’t need to scrub aggressively.
Let the salt do the exfoliating while you use gentle pressure.
Areas such as the elbows, knees, heels, and legs can be good places to use a body scrub.
Avoid using it on broken, irritated, sunburned, or freshly shaved skin.
Can You Use Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub on Your Face?
I would keep this recipe as a body scrub.
Salt can be quite abrasive depending on the particle size, and facial skin can be more sensitive than the skin on your body.
If you want to make a facial exfoliating product, start with a formulation specifically designed for the face.
How Often Should You Use a Salt Body Scrub?
You don’t need to exfoliate every day.
For many people, using a body scrub a couple of times a week is enough, but how often you exfoliate should depend on how your skin responds.
If your skin feels irritated, overly dry, or uncomfortable after exfoliating, use the scrub less often or stop until your skin has recovered.
More exfoliation isn’t necessarily better.
Why Does This Salt Scrub Rinse Better Than Salt and Oil?
This formula contains Polysorbate 20, which helps the oils disperse when they come into contact with water.
A simple salt-and-oil scrub can leave a noticeable layer of oil behind after rinsing.
Polysorbate 20 changes that experience by helping the oil phase interact with the rinse water.
It doesn’t completely eliminate the conditioning feel, but it can make the scrub feel less greasy when you rinse it away.
Can I Use a Different Carrier Oil?
Yes.
Hazelnut oil is the carrier oil used in this version, but you can experiment with other carrier oils.
Keep in mind that changing the oil can change the finished product’s texture and skin feel.
If you’re experimenting with the formula, change one ingredient at a time and keep notes about what you changed.
That makes it much easier to recreate a version you really like.
Can I Use a Different Fragrance?
Yes.
You can replace the Sugared Strawberry fragrance with another fragrance that is approved for use in body products.
Always check the supplier’s current usage rate.
Do not assume every fragrance can be used at the same percentage.
Can I Use Regular Salt Instead of Pink Himalayan Salt?
You can experiment with other salts, but the texture is important.
The biggest thing to consider is the particle size.
A very coarse salt may make the scrub feel too abrasive, while a fine salt will give you a smoother exfoliating experience.
If you want the texture shown in this recipe, start with a fine grain Pink Himalayan salt.
Can I Make This Scrub Without Polysorbate 20?
You could remove it, but the finished scrub would behave differently.
Polysorbate 20 is included to help the oils disperse during rinsing.
Without it, you may notice more oil left behind on the skin and in the shower.
If the rinse-off experience is one of the reasons you’re making this recipe, I would keep it in the formula.
Does This Salt Scrub Need a Preservative?
This particular formula does not contain a preservative.
That is why keeping water out of the container is so important.
The scrub is intended to be used with water, but you don’t want shower water getting into the jar and remaining there between uses.
Use clean, dry hands or a dry cosmetic scoop to remove the amount you need.
Do not store the jar where it can be splashed directly by the shower.
If water is repeatedly introduced into an unpreserved product, microbial growth can become a concern.
If you’re interested in understanding why preservation matters in homemade skincare, see Why Preservatives Matter in DIY Skincare.
How Should You Store This Salt Scrub?
Store the scrub in a clean, completely dry, airtight container.
Keep the container away from direct water and moisture.
Because this formula does not contain a preservative, I would be especially careful about how the product is handled and stored.
Don’t stick wet fingers into the jar.
Don’t leave the lid open in the shower.
And don’t add water to the jar to make the scrub easier to use.
If you’re making products for sale, don’t assign a shelf life based only on how the product looks or smells. Shelf life and microbial safety need to be properly evaluated.
For more information, see How Do You Determine the Shelf Life of Homemade Cosmetics?.
Tips for Making a Better Salt Body Scrub
Use fine salt
The salt texture makes a big difference.
Fine salt gives you a smoother exfoliating experience than large, coarse crystals.
Weigh your ingredients
A digital scale will give you much more consistent results, especially when you’re working with percentages.
Keep the salt evenly distributed
Mix thoroughly after adding the salt so the finished scrub has a consistent texture throughout the jar.
Don’t overdo the fragrance
More fragrance doesn’t mean a better-smelling product.
Always follow the supplier’s current usage recommendations.
Keep water out
This is probably the most important tip for this particular recipe.
The scrub is meant to be used with water, but the water should be introduced during use, not stored inside the jar.
Is This a Good Beginner DIY?
Yes, with one important caveat.
The actual process is simple. You’re melting a small heat phase, combining the remaining ingredients, mixing in the salt, and packaging the finished scrub.
But this is also a good recipe for learning an important formulation lesson:
A product can be intended to be used with water without being designed to contain water during storage.
That’s why handling and packaging matter so much with this recipe.
If you’re new to making your own bath and body products, my Skincare Formulation for Beginners guide is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pink Himalayan salt body scrub?
It is a body exfoliant made with Pink Himalayan salt. The salt provides physical exfoliation while oils, cocoa butter, and glycerin contribute to the feel of the finished scrub.
Is Pink Himalayan salt good for a body scrub?
Pink Himalayan salt works well as a physical exfoliant when the particle size is appropriate for the intended use. For this recipe, fine salt is preferred because very coarse crystals can feel overly abrasive.
Does this salt scrub need a preservative?
This particular formula does not contain a preservative. Because of that, keeping water out of the container during storage and use is especially important.
Can I use this salt scrub every day?
There is generally no need to exfoliate the body every day. Start with occasional use and adjust based on how your skin responds.
Can I use this scrub on my face?
I recommend using this formulation as a body scrub rather than a facial scrub.
Why does this recipe contain Polysorbate 20?
Polysorbate 20 helps the oils disperse when the scrub comes into contact with water, which can make the product rinse more cleanly than a simple salt-and-oil scrub.
Can I use another oil?
Yes. Hazelnut oil can be replaced with another carrier oil, but changing the oil can change the texture and feel of the finished product.
Can I use another fragrance?
Yes. Just make sure the fragrance is appropriate for a body product and follow the supplier’s current recommended usage rate.
Can I use coarse Himalayan salt?
You can, but it will create a more abrasive scrub. For a more comfortable body scrub, I recommend using a fine grain salt.
More DIY Body Scrub Recipes
If you enjoy making your own body scrubs, take a look at my DIY Sugar Scrub Recipes for more exfoliating recipes and different types of scrub formulas.
You can also learn more about individual ingredients in What Each Ingredient Does in Skincare Formulation.
If you’re interested in learning more about emulsifiers and how they work in skincare formulations, read Emulsifiers in Skincare: What They Are and How They Work.
Pink Himalayan Salt Body Scrub Printable Recipe
DIY Pink Himalayan Salt Body Scrub for Glowing, Silky Soft Skin Recipe
Equipment
- Scale
Ingredients
Heat Phase
- 0.18 ounce | 2% Cocoa Butter
- 0.09 ounce | 1% Hazelnut Oil
Cool Down
- 0.36 ounce | 4% Polysorbate 20
- 3.06 ouncr | 34% Vegetable Glycerin
- 0.09 ounce | 1% Sugared Strawberry Fragrance Oil
- 5.22 ounce | 58% Pink Himalayan Salt
Instructions
Melt:
- Start by placing the hazelnut oil and cocoa butter in a heat-safe bowl over a double boiler. Heat gently until fully melted, stirring occasionally to combine.
Mix in cool down ingredients:
- Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Add the vegetable glycerin, polysorbate 20 and your chosen fragrance oil. Stir well to ensure the mixture is evenly combined.
Combine with salt:
- Gradually fold in the fine grain Pink Himalayan salt, mixing thoroughly to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Cool and store:
- Once fully combined, transfer your scrub into a clean, airtight container. Let it cool completely before sealing.